News and Events

You are invited to help release turtle hatchlings, and learn more about local turtles Eggs from species-at-risk Snapping Turtles recovered, incubated; Local people can release Snapping Turtle hatchlings into wild on September 1 in exchange for donation to Turtle Conservation Centre Local people have a rare chance to release local species-at-risk turtle hatchlings into the wild. Those who want to release a Snapping Turtle hatchling or learn more about local turtles are invited to visit the Morrison Dam Conservation Area, 2…

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the BioBlitz on June 25th at Ontario Nature‘s George G. Newton Reserve. It was a hot day, but beautiful tromping around the woodland looking for plants and critters. The hiking paths had been cleared this spring by the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists, who steward the property. In the morning we split into two groups: a group looking for plants, and another for reptiles and amphibians. In the afternoon Tom Lobb, a local…

On Saturday June 25th, the Huron Stewardship Council will be cohosting a free all ages event called a ‘bioblitz’ with Ontario Nature and the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists. You are invited to join expert biologists for a hike at the George G. Newton Reserve, where you’ll learn about local plants and animals. This event is great for families, amateur naturalists, hikers, … really, everyone who is interested in learning more about nature! In a bioblitz, our goal is to identify…

In honour of World Turtle Day, the Huron Stewardship Council staff organized a fundraiser on the May long weekend to raise funds for the Ontario Turtle Conservation Center and to raise awareness about turtles on the road this time of the year. Our booth at the Goderich Square featured live native turtles and snakes, and original turtle paintings (created by some of Ontario’s turtles!). We spoke to thousands of people over the course of two days, and handed out turtle…

Where? Blacker Property on Highway 8 (Huron Road), 5 km from Goderich. The property is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). When? May 7, 2016, 11:30am to 3pm To register, click here. Join NCC, HSC, and Maitland Valley Conservation Authority staff on Saturday May 7th as we go ‘Back to Blacker‘ to continue our restoration of a former agricultural field to a beautiful mixed forest characteristic of the Lower Maitland River Valley. By planting native deciduous trees to augment the…

Our friends at the Lower Maitland Stewardship Group have produced a video showcasing the breathtaking views of the Lower Maitland River – one of the healthiest river systems in Southern Ontario. Below is an excerpt from their website. As the river twists and turns through Ontario’s West Coast, the sights you can see from your canoe, paddle board, or along the 50 km of trails are stunning! We know all who experience it agree that the Lower Maitland is a gem…

One of the HSC’s many land stewardship goals is to protect wildlife by preserving natural habitat, supporting biodiversity, and increasing the connectedness of our natural areas. To help achieve this goal, we have undertaken a pilot project to erect twelve “wildlife crossing” signs within Huron County. The signs feature the silhouette of a turtle and a snake and reminds drivers to slow down and drive with caution in areas where reptiles (turtles and snakes) are known to cross the road.…

The month of September represents a time of change. The leaves begin to turn colour as they prepare to fall from the trees. Summer comes to an end as children head back to school for another year of learning. As animals like Queensnakes begin to prepare for their winter hibernation, this signals the end of a great season of “herping” for the staff at the Huron Stewardship Council. Hi! My name is Lauren Schmuck. I am a Species at Risk Technician…

On Aug 19th, 138 snapping turtle hatchlings were released into the Maitland River in honor of Wingham biology teacher and nature lover, Julie Sawchuk. It was almost a year ago that Julie found an injured female snapping turtle hit by a car. She stepped into action, secured the turtle in a ventilated container, and called me. The turtle was paralyzed mid body down and unfortunately had to be euthanized. Luckily, her back end was unscathed and we were able to…